Choctaw Nation
Kelsey Brown
BRYAN COUNTY – The Choctaw Nation has received $944 million in an initial payment of Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from the U.S. Treasury. An initial distribution was allocated to each tribal nation primarily based on its pro rata share of the total certified tribal enrollment number. Funds may be obligated through December 31, 2024.
“We want to acknowledge and express our appreciation to the U.S. Congress and the Biden Administration for taking the tribal nations’ input on this more equitable formula for allocations, which is based on the number of people we serve,” said Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation.
The Choctaw Nation has begun the planning process to allocate and distribute these one-time federal funds, but will wait to finalize its budget plan until the U.S. Treasury Department issues final guidance sometime in July. The Choctaw Nation is focused on utilizing ARPA funding to address the negative economic and social impacts caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency through:
Tribal Services
- Direct member assistance
- Public health
- Housing
- Education
- Technology
- Choctaw business assistance
Tribal Government Stabilization
- Replace lost tribal government revenue
- Job protection, including hazard pay
Choctaw Reservation Infrastructure Needs
- Water
- Sewer
- Broadband
Among the stated uses for the funds, renewing programs for those in most need will be a priority. ARPA-funded program applications are anticipated to open in September 2021, and tribal members are encouraged to stay updated on ARPA programs via https://www.choctawnation.com/covidrelief.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 extends and expands provisions found in the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA), Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
7 Comments
Cherokee Nation is getting a Percap out if the 2021 ARP.
They’re a larger tribe than we are with way less casinos.
We are tired of being the collective owners of 23 (and growing) casinos and living on the federal poverty line. Our ancestors didn’t struggle for systematic poverty to continue. They surely weren’t poor before removal – that’s why Americans were jelous enough to remove us.
I need a roof to fix hail damage and can’t afford it even though I work for a federal contractor. I don’t live with in the 10.5 counties so that’s not an option either.
An extra $1000 year would go a long way oh dear chief who makes $250,000 per year. (Not including moonlighting enterprises)
Especially for us federal contractors that make $31,000….or less.
How Long Will We Keep Getting 200 Dollars On Our Alders Food Card ? And It Doesn’t Matter.. You Helped Me Alot.. Thank You Choctaw Nation..
Will members recieve like a stimulous Payment that can be used for bills.. repairs and household needs ??? If not what does this mean…
HALITO,
Need to share with tribal members. CHOCTAW is almost the only tribe who doesn’t share tribal money. We tribal members could use that for bills of any kind, I know I could. Yakoke.
Wow
Do we get hazard pay?
Other tribal members have already received their part of the financial share of the money and why is it taken this long to share information?